Additional Coverage:
- Russia is barely using one of its best weapons against Ukrainian forces in Kursk because it’s scared to hit itself, war expert says (businessinsider.com)
A photo accompanying the text shows a Russian Su-34 bomber equipped with a FAB-500 bomb, underscoring the discussion of Russia’s military assets.
Experts assert that Russia has shown hesitation in deploying its glide bombs in the Kursk region. The reluctance arises as Ukrainian forces have advanced into Russian territory, establishing a buffer zone and leaving Moscow struggling to effectively counteract. According to a military strategy expert speaking to Business Insider, Russia’s air-control systems lack the sophistication needed for precise deployment of these weapons, raising concerns about accidentally hitting their own positions.
Glide bombs, which can be launched from aircraft at considerable distances and come equipped with guidance systems, have been increasingly used by Russia in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Despite their advanced capabilities and considerable power—with the most recent models reportedly weighing up to 6,600 pounds—Russia’s usage of these bombs within its own borders remains limited compared to its operations in Ukraine.
Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, pointed out that the use of glide bombs and air power by Russia has been notably restrained in Kursk. He suggested this reflects Russia’s inferior air-control system, contrasting sharply with the sophisticated coordination between aircraft and control centers typically seen in US and NATO operations.
While Ukraine has reported ongoing Russian glide bomb attacks in regions like Sumy, the frequency and scale of these attacks in Kursk are significantly lesser. For instance, Ukrainian officials noted 27 glide bomb launches in the region on a recent Wednesday, far less than the hundreds reportedly used against Ukrainian targets in the same timeframe.
Rajan Menon from Columbia University’s Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies and George Barros from the US Institute for the Study of War have both commented on the cautious approach Russia has taken in using powerful glide bombs in Kursk, primarily due to the political and civilian implications of deploying such weapons on their own soil.
As the military dynamics continue to evolve with Ukraine now using similar tactics against Russian forces in Kursk, Russia’s strategic calculations might adjust depending on the ongoing incursion. These developments come amidst Ukraine’s aim to create a buffer zone to minimize threats from Russia, while also attempting to stretch Russian forces and fortify the morale of its troops and allies.
This complex situation reflects an ongoing shift in the initiative on the ground, marking a potential turning point after many months of grueling, relatively static conflict.